Did you cut back this holiday season?

For the adult family members I contributed 25.00 ea. to KIVA.org rather than a gift for them.  I am retired, and there is really nothing I need (except golf balls), so this was a good way to help someone else.

I spent less this year, but still kind of a lot more than most people are reporting have spent here.   But even before the economy tanked, we had already decided this year was going to be smaller, since the kids got laptops last year, and really needed nothing.   So their big gifts (a small tv for $199 and an IPOD for the other kid) were about half of what we spent altogether on them.  Compared to about $1500 last year.

I decreased my spending by 80%.  I eliminated all extended family members and reduced significantly both the amount of money and gifts for my immediate family.   The gifts I did give were needs rather than wants.  I will maintain this budget going forward with a goal to be 100% out of all debt including mortgage within the next 18 months.   

We spent about the same, but instead of giving it to our family members (who fortunately don't need anything), we spent it on needy families in our community.  It really felt good not to feel the pressure of finding just the right gift for family members who really don't need the gifts but to give to people who have absolutely nothing and need everything.   Finally, the holiday season felt less stressed and was much more about giving than any season I can remember in years & years past.....like it should.